Bessette/Pitney’s AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS: DELIBERATION, DEMOCRACY AND CITIZENSHIP reviews the idea of "deliberative democracy." Building on the book, this blog offers insights, analysis, and facts about recent events.

Young adults were half as likely to have obesity as middle-aged adults. Adults aged 18-24 years had the lowest self-reported obesity (16.5%) compared to adults aged 45-54 years who had the highest prevalence (35.8%).

20% to less than 25% of adults had obesity in 2 states (Colorado and Hawaii) and the District of Columbia.

25% to less than 30% of adults had obesity in 19 states.

30% to less than 35% of adults had obesity in 22 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

35% or more adults had obesity in 7 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and West Virginia).

The South (32.4%) and the Midwest (32.3%) had the highest prevalence of obesity, followed by the Northeast (27.7%), and the West (26.1%).

Prevalence¶ of Self-Reported Obesity Among U.S. Adults by State and Territory, BRFSS, 2017
¶Prevalence estimates reflect BRFSS methodological changes started in 2011. These estimates should not be compared to prevalence estimates before 2011.